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Old 01-27-2016, 04:39 PM
aceofspades aceofspades is offline
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Default 1978 440

I have read some info on different types of 440s.

The one I put in my TD is from 78 motor home. What, if anything, can I do as far as a rebuid to get some performance out of it?

The main thing seems to be getting the CR up.
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Old 01-27-2016, 05:10 PM
68Charger 440HP 68Charger 440HP is offline
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My motor is a 75 police package motor so it's not that far off from yours. I rebuilt mine years ago with the only major replacements being the pistons, rings and cam. I decked the block to increase my compression. Like you said, that will be a big factor and definitely bump up your power. Keep it to about 9.5:1 so you can run pump gas.

The other thing that has always been one of the best bang for your buck power upgrades is your exhaust system. More specifically: get a set of headers if possible. Those 440's need to breathe.

A nice set of high flowing aluminum heads will yield a lot of power as well but they are much more expensive and you would also need a set of adjustable rocker arms (roller rockers for best performance) and new push rods if you changed heads. Depending on your budget, power goals/expectations and gearing, you can also consider stepping up your cam, intake, carb and torque converter.

Good luck!
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Old 01-27-2016, 08:05 PM
aceofspades aceofspades is offline
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Awesome. Thanks man. That sounds about right. I already have new 2 1/2 inch exhaust and new Edelbrock 600 carb. I'll make note and get to it.
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Old 02-05-2016, 11:46 PM
mhenesian mhenesian is offline
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Hi aceofspades,

A low compression mid-70's 440 is a potent motor, even with the 8.2-8.5 to 1 compression ratio. We ran them for over a decade on the street and at the drag strip with good results. For the street I would go with 1-3/4" diameter headers, a Performer RPM manifold (or the old Torker 440 !), and the COMP cams replacement for the Mopar 284 cam. It's their Nostalgia grind with 284/291 degrees duration and 0.484" valve lift. Will work with the stock heads, valves, and stock valve guides/seals, but you need the "933" Street Hemi springs or today go with COMP's 911 springs (and matching retainers). This combo should easily get 400 HP at the flywheel and over 450 ft-lbs of torque. Run an 10-3/4" Hemi torque converter with 3.55 gears and you will be flying !
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Old 02-05-2016, 11:56 PM
mhenesian mhenesian is offline
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Default Low compression 440 street motor

Hi aceofspades,

A low compression mid-70's 440 is a potent/strong motor, even with the 8.2-8.5 to 1 compression ratio. We ran them for over a decade on the street and at the drag strip with good results. For the street I would go with 1-3/4" diameter headers, a Performer RPM manifold (or the old Torker 440 !), and the COMP cams replacement for the Mopar 284 cam. It's their Nostalgia grind with 284/291 degrees duration and 0.484" valve lift. Will work with the stock heads, valves, and stock valve guides/seals, but you need the "933" Street Hemi springs or today go with COMP's 911 springs (and matching retainers). This combo should easily get 400 HP at the flywheel and over 450 ft-lbs of torque. Run a 10-3/4" Hemi torque converter with 3.55 gears and you will be flying ! If the headers are too "racy", just stick with the cast iron performance exhaust manifolds from the "police" package from mid-70's or the 2-1/2" diameter Charger/Roadrunner packages from 1968-1971.
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